[ for her part, neve knows tevinter and venatori well enough to play the part. body language upright and confident, without being rigid. her tight grip on her companion's arm may well be a show of possessiveness, a warning to anyone else who might take an interest in him that his patron is unwilling to share.
his practice of customs and dances means that their chances of passing through unnoticed are even higher. ]
Always, [ she says, in response to the question about poison. they'd be fools to discount that. ] It won't be enough to kill, but certainly enough to make things interesting. I wasn't planning on drinking anything unless I need to. We can play it as true snobbery if asked.
[ only the best for this tevinter mage and her pet. whatever's offered here just isn't up to her standards. ]
Let them be envious. One of them might approach later to talk to you and we can twist information out of them then.
[ she guides him around the edge of the room, taking in the dance floor with the proper aloof interest. the two who caught her eye initially lazily meet them halfway. ]
Drink? [ one of them asks her, holding out a glass of what can only be wine.
neve sniffs with distaste, nose slightly wrinkled, but doesn't bother to even lift a hand in dismissal. ]
What they serve in these "parties" can only be described as mud. Our interest stems from a curious rumor. Haven't heard anything, have you?
I hear the host plans on presenting something to his esteemed backer tonight.
Hmm. Well, they're certainly doing a good job of making us wait.
[ she huffs slightly. the conversation soon turns to her companion and neve switches on the jealousy and protectiveness before extracting herself and jim to continue on their walk around. ]
That tells us something but not enough. Could be our relic, could be another.
[Neve's perfectly manicured nails have been filed into near points. Each one presses creases into Jim's perfectly fitted formal wear to make her grip seem even more vice-like than it is. She knows that her pet looks good, knows that his manners show he's well trained. This 'Venatori Magister' is unwilling to lose her plaything to some rival or worse--someone she's never even heard of before.
Jim spies one of the other Venatori moving to try and bump into Neve 'on accident', no doubt to start a fuss. Jim pulls her out of the way at the perfect moment, his eyes sparkling with interest for a particular opulent sculpture on display.]
Look, Amatus, I've been thinking of something that would go well by the side courtyard. What do you think of this Style? We'd need something that would match of course...
[He doesn't have to look. The 'tch' behind him tells him the man would have been trouble. He defaults back to Neve leading. All charming smiles when he's introduced icily. Perhaps too charming since the jealousy in Neve's voice is palpable. Her touch though, that's telling him he's doing just what they practiced.
'Tiberius' is charming, but not seemingly bright. To be expected of a mere pet soporati but my he must be quite enjoyable entertainment to be showcased on her arm out here. If nothing else he does clean up remarkably well, doesn't he?]
I dont know...when they say esteemed backer Here I've no idea if they're talking about the gods or just some other more powerful magister.
[ the way he practically purrs out that pet name sends a barely concealed shudder down her spine. were it anyone else at this soiree speaking that word to her, the temptation to cause a scene would be real. at least she knows jim, knows why he's playing this part and that she asked him to.
something else buried in the depths shifts like something shuddering under desert sand, but she kicks it back down.
trusting him fully, she swerves as he directs, grateful that he saw the incident before it even happened. it allows her to avoid even glancing at the potential offender and her lips curl upwards with amused disdain at the annoyed sound he makes behind her. she gladly continues parading him about, letting her pet be the lower star to her constellation, the fascinating distraction to her main attraction. ]
Could work. Wouldn't be too hard to find a match in the right spaces.
[ her voice remains mildly disdainful, slightly interested in the conversation or something attached to the conversation. they move a little farther away from the crowd and she dips back into the deeper conversation. ]
Likely both. A magister backed by the gods. You know how it is. [ her smirk turns a little annoyed, like a proper magister who's feeling ignored and dislikes it. ] Couldn't be easy. If this is our relic, we'll want to grab it before the hand off. If it's not...
[ her head tips slightly. theoretically, they could take the relic after the pass, but that would be harder to pull off. worst comes to worst... they make a scene. as a couple. ]
Either way, they'll have it under guard. Likely by a nasty spell in a safe room or on the host's person. Let's see if we can stir up some more rumors. There's a couple in the corner looking surly. Want to try our luck there?
I do, but I wish I didn't. This whole place makes me feel on edge, like I've clipped a tooth against another.
[Jim doesn't dare drop his wide eyed and handsome smile even when his voice drops to more normal tones. Alert. On guard. Paying attention to Everything around them. He's out of practice in watching People quite the way Neve does, but once upon a time Jim knew this dance. He's only been on guard for Darkspawn for so long lately, is all.]
I'm not....sensing any Taint nearby, at least. If our relic is going to turn up tonight, it's not been brought topside Yet.
[Could be good news for them. Could be very bad. With Neve's jobs, it's never obvious how sideways things will go before the night's over.]
Which one looks more amenable to flattery? I don't mind playing the flirt if it'll help.
[ if either of them drop their guard or their acts, that may well be the last thing they do. they can't take that chance, not here, not with venatori practically breathing down their necks. so he keeps his smile plastered on and she keeps her chin lifted and her smirk in place. ]
Hmm. Might be hiding it for an opportune moment, but at least that means there's no darkspawn.
[ because at this point, she wouldn't be surprised to have those crash the party. but he's right to expect things to go sideways. they always do for her. ]
Not sure. I'd say the woman, but you might make her partner jealous. Worth a shot. Maybe they can both be flattered into giving up secrets. Let's swing a little wide, see if we can't make it look like an offhand comment as we walk by.
[ she turns them a little, setting them up to walk by in half a minute so their path gives jim a direct line to the pair and whichever one he thinks might be more responsive to a little more-than-harmless flirting. ]
Mmh, if it's Venatori me flirting with the man might be taken offensively too. Magisters need their blood lines...
[Which makes the woman the safer bet. Though Jim's not above giving the man an obvious up and down sweep with his eyes as though he's very pleased by what he sees before shifting to his date and pulling up a charming smile that's a little more full of intent than the wide eyed demure date he's been plaything all evening.]
Now, I'm not sure this has been a waste, dearest. There's so much.... [Another not-so-sneaky glance at the pair.] ...to admire about the evening. Ah, the Venue, I mean. You never take me out to socialize anymore.
[The barest of put upon pouts in his tone. Not that he would Dare complain to his patron, of course.]
They're odd about what they will and will not agree is acceptable attention, but we are in public.
[ so jim's likely right on the money there. better not to risk causing too much fuss too early. as he slips more into the act they've both been playing, she steps into the other side, giving the couple a disdainfully appraising look, like she can't agree with her companion's assertion. ]
Which is why I brought you out tonight, [ she points out with the air of someone who is annoyed at having to share a prize. ] Thought you could use the enrichment.
[ her eyes follow his to the pair he has "chosen" and her chin rises slightly. the woman's head tilts almost imperceptibly, as she looks them over. curiosity perhaps. the man's eyes narrow. jealousy? hmmm... ]
Come now. Don't give me that look. Let's make a game of it. You find me someone worth your time and I'll bring you out more often.
Handsome companion you have there, [ the woman's voice rings out. not loudly, but pointedly, enough for jim and neve to hear over the crowd but not enough to draw extra attention. ]
Isn't he just? [ neve's possessive smile flicks to their two targets as the pair rise and meander over. ]
Pity, really. If he were altus... [ the woman gives jim another appraising look. neve, still playing the part despite the way her hair stands on end, shifts to hold jim's arm a little tighter. possessive but also comforting for them both. ]
If any of us were altus enough, would we be at this soiree? [ neve gestures around at the gathering. it certainly has the look of high society, but given the relic she and jim are here to find, and what she suspects it's here for, well... ]
Oh, we're all here for the same thing, [ the woman purrs, her eyes back on jim. ] Connections. So, tell me. How can I help your socializing today?
[Jim brightens to be Noticed by a pair of mages. Evokes as much of an aura of a companion hound being told they've done a good job as is possible to do in human guise. Had he a tail, it would be wagging right now, etc etc. The line about pity makes his gaze flicker downward meekly. A lesser knowing when to defer to his betters, surely. So well trained he is!
He almost opens his mouth at the woman's invitation, but a dig into his sleeve makes him turn to look to Never for permission first. It's only when she gives a dismissive nod of her head that he whips his head back around, positively beaming for any kind of enrichment. He can't know what's going on here, but really isn't that for the best?
His kind are to be seen and little more unless making their pretty voices ring out is part of the entertainment. ]
My lady. My lord.
[Jim sweeps a practiced bow with all the grace of a once-lordling.]
I do hope there's to be some worthy entertainment here this evening. My most gracious patron hasn't let slip a single thing about the details of tonight. She's been having too much fun teasing me while I try to guess.
[He gives them both the biggest eyed pleading look he can muster. Don't you just pity the simple fool?]
I've always wanted to attend a real altus gathering though, and my lady has been so very gracious to allow me in as ah. As an honored attendant of course. I am here by her pleasure and generosity. There's so many things here I haven't ever had the chance to try before.
[ somewhat shockingly, the pair listens to the soporati talk, though they retain their aloof expressions. ]
Well, if it makes you feel any better, [ the lady says, her eyes glancing towards one of the side doors, ] they haven't told any of us much about what to expect tonight.
[ her companion slips an arm around her waist. possessively? no. to guide her away. likely so she'll stop flirting with jim and possibly to stop her from saying more. ] They have told us enough, my dear. It's a celebration, after all. Wouldn't want to spoil the surprise.
The surprise, dear is just what kind of relic is being presented. We all know that it must be something important or we wouldn't be here. A godly gift, perhaps?
[ the soft purr on the word "gift" at least brings a smile to the lord's face. something to note there. the lord might have a similar "gift" presented from her or he might have presented one to another himself. ]
Very much so. Now, come along. We wouldn't want to take up all of the lady's time.
[ the hand on her waist tightens and the pair heads off, but not before the lady gives jim another approving look-over. ] If you ever get tired of your plaything, I'd be happy to take him off your hands.
I won't, [ neve responds immediately. ] But it's cute that you think you have a chance.
[ the lady huffs, but says nothing in response. neve notes the pair as two to keep an eye and ear on later, turning to find another lead —
— and suddenly catching the eye of one of the elven servants across the room. a slave, more likely, someone with good reason to want to disrupt things or escape. the slave boy watches her for a moment before ducking through a doorway with the air of someone who wants one person to notice but not the whole party.
neve doesn't immediately respond, her eyes flitting around the room for a few moments longer to keep up appearances. she turns to face jim, leaning in against his ear with her hands high on his chest, on the pretense of adjusting his clothes — she has to be the model of a patron, after all. this is easy enough to pass off as gossiping about the pair they just parted from.
even though this time it's not. ]
We're headed across the room. Look casual. Elven slave caught my eye intentionally and disappeared. I want to know why.
[ and if they can free a slave during all this or maybe after? that will be a win, too. ]
no subject
Date: 2025-04-25 04:14 pm (UTC)his practice of customs and dances means that their chances of passing through unnoticed are even higher. ]
Always, [ she says, in response to the question about poison. they'd be fools to discount that. ] It won't be enough to kill, but certainly enough to make things interesting. I wasn't planning on drinking anything unless I need to. We can play it as true snobbery if asked.
[ only the best for this tevinter mage and her pet. whatever's offered here just isn't up to her standards. ]
Let them be envious. One of them might approach later to talk to you and we can twist information out of them then.
[ she guides him around the edge of the room, taking in the dance floor with the proper aloof interest. the two who caught her eye initially lazily meet them halfway. ]
Drink? [ one of them asks her, holding out a glass of what can only be wine.
neve sniffs with distaste, nose slightly wrinkled, but doesn't bother to even lift a hand in dismissal. ]
What they serve in these "parties" can only be described as mud. Our interest stems from a curious rumor. Haven't heard anything, have you?
I hear the host plans on presenting something to his esteemed backer tonight.
Hmm. Well, they're certainly doing a good job of making us wait.
[ she huffs slightly. the conversation soon turns to her companion and neve switches on the jealousy and protectiveness before extracting herself and jim to continue on their walk around. ]
That tells us something but not enough. Could be our relic, could be another.
no subject
Date: 2025-05-01 11:06 pm (UTC)Jim spies one of the other Venatori moving to try and bump into Neve 'on accident', no doubt to start a fuss. Jim pulls her out of the way at the perfect moment, his eyes sparkling with interest for a particular opulent sculpture on display.]
Look, Amatus, I've been thinking of something that would go well by the side courtyard. What do you think of this Style? We'd need something that would match of course...
[He doesn't have to look. The 'tch' behind him tells him the man would have been trouble. He defaults back to Neve leading. All charming smiles when he's introduced icily. Perhaps too charming since the jealousy in Neve's voice is palpable. Her touch though, that's telling him he's doing just what they practiced.
'Tiberius' is charming, but not seemingly bright. To be expected of a mere pet soporati but my he must be quite enjoyable entertainment to be showcased on her arm out here. If nothing else he does clean up remarkably well, doesn't he?]
I dont know...when they say esteemed backer Here I've no idea if they're talking about the gods or just some other more powerful magister.
no subject
Date: 2025-05-06 07:59 pm (UTC)something else buried in the depths shifts like something shuddering under desert sand, but she kicks it back down.
trusting him fully, she swerves as he directs, grateful that he saw the incident before it even happened. it allows her to avoid even glancing at the potential offender and her lips curl upwards with amused disdain at the annoyed sound he makes behind her. she gladly continues parading him about, letting her pet be the lower star to her constellation, the fascinating distraction to her main attraction. ]
Could work. Wouldn't be too hard to find a match in the right spaces.
[ her voice remains mildly disdainful, slightly interested in the conversation or something attached to the conversation. they move a little farther away from the crowd and she dips back into the deeper conversation. ]
Likely both. A magister backed by the gods. You know how it is. [ her smirk turns a little annoyed, like a proper magister who's feeling ignored and dislikes it. ] Couldn't be easy. If this is our relic, we'll want to grab it before the hand off. If it's not...
[ her head tips slightly. theoretically, they could take the relic after the pass, but that would be harder to pull off. worst comes to worst... they make a scene. as a couple. ]
Either way, they'll have it under guard. Likely by a nasty spell in a safe room or on the host's person. Let's see if we can stir up some more rumors. There's a couple in the corner looking surly. Want to try our luck there?
no subject
Date: 2025-05-08 06:27 pm (UTC)[Jim doesn't dare drop his wide eyed and handsome smile even when his voice drops to more normal tones. Alert. On guard. Paying attention to Everything around them. He's out of practice in watching People quite the way Neve does, but once upon a time Jim knew this dance. He's only been on guard for Darkspawn for so long lately, is all.]
I'm not....sensing any Taint nearby, at least. If our relic is going to turn up tonight, it's not been brought topside Yet.
[Could be good news for them. Could be very bad. With Neve's jobs, it's never obvious how sideways things will go before the night's over.]
Which one looks more amenable to flattery? I don't mind playing the flirt if it'll help.
no subject
Date: 2025-05-11 08:43 pm (UTC)[ if either of them drop their guard or their acts, that may well be the last thing they do. they can't take that chance, not here, not with venatori practically breathing down their necks. so he keeps his smile plastered on and she keeps her chin lifted and her smirk in place. ]
Hmm. Might be hiding it for an opportune moment, but at least that means there's no darkspawn.
[ because at this point, she wouldn't be surprised to have those crash the party. but he's right to expect things to go sideways. they always do for her. ]
Not sure. I'd say the woman, but you might make her partner jealous. Worth a shot. Maybe they can both be flattered into giving up secrets. Let's swing a little wide, see if we can't make it look like an offhand comment as we walk by.
[ she turns them a little, setting them up to walk by in half a minute so their path gives jim a direct line to the pair and whichever one he thinks might be more responsive to a little more-than-harmless flirting. ]
no subject
Date: 2025-05-19 04:05 pm (UTC)[Which makes the woman the safer bet. Though Jim's not above giving the man an obvious up and down sweep with his eyes as though he's very pleased by what he sees before shifting to his date and pulling up a charming smile that's a little more full of intent than the wide eyed demure date he's been plaything all evening.]
Now, I'm not sure this has been a waste, dearest. There's so much.... [Another not-so-sneaky glance at the pair.] ...to admire about the evening. Ah, the Venue, I mean. You never take me out to socialize anymore.
[The barest of put upon pouts in his tone. Not that he would Dare complain to his patron, of course.]
no subject
Date: 2025-05-22 07:08 pm (UTC)[ so jim's likely right on the money there. better not to risk causing too much fuss too early. as he slips more into the act they've both been playing, she steps into the other side, giving the couple a disdainfully appraising look, like she can't agree with her companion's assertion. ]
Which is why I brought you out tonight, [ she points out with the air of someone who is annoyed at having to share a prize. ] Thought you could use the enrichment.
[ her eyes follow his to the pair he has "chosen" and her chin rises slightly. the woman's head tilts almost imperceptibly, as she looks them over. curiosity perhaps. the man's eyes narrow. jealousy? hmmm... ]
Come now. Don't give me that look. Let's make a game of it. You find me someone worth your time and I'll bring you out more often.
Handsome companion you have there, [ the woman's voice rings out. not loudly, but pointedly, enough for jim and neve to hear over the crowd but not enough to draw extra attention. ]
Isn't he just? [ neve's possessive smile flicks to their two targets as the pair rise and meander over. ]
Pity, really. If he were altus... [ the woman gives jim another appraising look. neve, still playing the part despite the way her hair stands on end, shifts to hold jim's arm a little tighter. possessive but also comforting for them both. ]
If any of us were altus enough, would we be at this soiree? [ neve gestures around at the gathering. it certainly has the look of high society, but given the relic she and jim are here to find, and what she suspects it's here for, well... ]
Oh, we're all here for the same thing, [ the woman purrs, her eyes back on jim. ] Connections. So, tell me. How can I help your socializing today?
no subject
Date: 2025-05-24 11:31 pm (UTC)He almost opens his mouth at the woman's invitation, but a dig into his sleeve makes him turn to look to Never for permission first. It's only when she gives a dismissive nod of her head that he whips his head back around, positively beaming for any kind of enrichment. He can't know what's going on here, but really isn't that for the best?
His kind are to be seen and little more unless making their pretty voices ring out is part of the entertainment. ]
My lady. My lord.
[Jim sweeps a practiced bow with all the grace of a once-lordling.]
I do hope there's to be some worthy entertainment here this evening. My most gracious patron hasn't let slip a single thing about the details of tonight. She's been having too much fun teasing me while I try to guess.
[He gives them both the biggest eyed pleading look he can muster. Don't you just pity the simple fool?]
I've always wanted to attend a real altus gathering though, and my lady has been so very gracious to allow me in as ah. As an honored attendant of course. I am here by her pleasure and generosity. There's so many things here I haven't ever had the chance to try before.
no subject
Date: 2025-05-28 07:19 pm (UTC)Well, if it makes you feel any better, [ the lady says, her eyes glancing towards one of the side doors, ] they haven't told any of us much about what to expect tonight.
[ her companion slips an arm around her waist. possessively? no. to guide her away. likely so she'll stop flirting with jim and possibly to stop her from saying more. ] They have told us enough, my dear. It's a celebration, after all. Wouldn't want to spoil the surprise.
The surprise, dear is just what kind of relic is being presented. We all know that it must be something important or we wouldn't be here. A godly gift, perhaps?
[ the soft purr on the word "gift" at least brings a smile to the lord's face. something to note there. the lord might have a similar "gift" presented from her or he might have presented one to another himself. ]
Very much so. Now, come along. We wouldn't want to take up all of the lady's time.
[ the hand on her waist tightens and the pair heads off, but not before the lady gives jim another approving look-over. ] If you ever get tired of your plaything, I'd be happy to take him off your hands.
I won't, [ neve responds immediately. ] But it's cute that you think you have a chance.
[ the lady huffs, but says nothing in response. neve notes the pair as two to keep an eye and ear on later, turning to find another lead —
— and suddenly catching the eye of one of the elven servants across the room. a slave, more likely, someone with good reason to want to disrupt things or escape. the slave boy watches her for a moment before ducking through a doorway with the air of someone who wants one person to notice but not the whole party.
neve doesn't immediately respond, her eyes flitting around the room for a few moments longer to keep up appearances. she turns to face jim, leaning in against his ear with her hands high on his chest, on the pretense of adjusting his clothes — she has to be the model of a patron, after all. this is easy enough to pass off as gossiping about the pair they just parted from.
even though this time it's not. ]
We're headed across the room. Look casual. Elven slave caught my eye intentionally and disappeared. I want to know why.
[ and if they can free a slave during all this or maybe after? that will be a win, too. ]